The final countdown is on! PLAY 2018 is right around the corner, and whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet, we want to make sure you have the best time possible. That’s why we’ve compiled a helpful list of tips and reminders to get you properly prepared for this year’s event.
Get Packed
Boston is known for its temperamental weather. April snow showers and February heat waves aren’t unusual around here. Luckily for us, the weather gods seem to be working in our favor. According to weather forecasts, temperatures in May are expected to be right on track with the spring season, hovering in the mid to high 60s. That said, make sure to pack your spring wardrobe, alongside a light jacket or sweater for chillier night time temps and air-conditioned conference rooms. As we like to say in Boston, “Layer, layer, layer!”
Get Connected
Before you head out, grab your phone and download the Bizzabo mobile app to keep track of all things PLAY. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the Bizzabo app will help you plan your daily schedule and connect you with speakers, sponsors, and fellow attendees. Once you download it on your phone, you’ll be prompted to verify the email address you used for your PLAY registration. Create your personal login password, and after that, you’re good to go.
Get to the Park Plaza
Making your way to the Boston Park Plaza is easy, since there are so many ways to get there. For those taking the Amtrak train to Boston’s Back Bay station , it’s a quick eight-minute walk to the venue. You can click here to view the Google Maps route. However, if you have heavy luggage, opt for an Uber or Lyft ride, which will get you to the hotel in five minutes, pending traffic.
If you’re coming from Boston Logan International Airport , you’ve got plenty of transportation options, including a free shuttle bus service , the Logan Express bus to Copley Square, city taxis , and ride shares , like Uber and Lyft. You can also check out this link , which gives you a rundown of available parking and nearby public transit. For an additional fee, hotel concierge can even arrange for a GO Boston shuttle bus to pick you up and deliver you safely to the Park Plaza.
When you’re inside and all checked in, take a peek around—The Boston Park Plaza is rife with early American history. Once surrounded by the Charles River, the hotel’s original location was the exact spot where British troops landed before the Battle of Lexington. Over time, the area was filled with gravel and dirt to create buildable land. Today, the site is now known as Boston’s Back Bay. When the hotel finally opened in 1927, it was the largest independent hotel in New England and the eighth largest in the world. The Boston Park Plaza then became the go-to destination for glamorous Hollywood celebrities and all but two United States Presidents.
Get Ready to Mingle
PLAY 2018 is giving you plenty of chances to rub elbows with fellow video professionals and industry leaders, so plan accordingly! On Sunday, May 20th, Brightcove is hosting the Welcome Reception at King’s Dining & Entertainment —one of Boston’s favorite nightlife spots. Sponsored by Fastly , this event brings the bowling alley to the bar, so put on your bowling shoes and battle for the #PLAY2018 King and Queen-Pin titles. Plus, you can enter for a chance to win some other great prizes too. You’ll need your PLAY badge for admission, so make sure to stop by the Park Plaza before boarding the complimentary bus, which will be leaving the hotel at 6:15PM.
On Monday night, we’re hosting the Let’s PLAY Party , sponsored by Akamai . This year, the theme is “Circus Noir,” and it’s taking place in the Grand Ballroom of the Park Plaza hotel. Get to know your fellow attendees and Brightcove staff over delicious snacks, cocktails, music, and live performances.
Finally, close out the three-day extravaganza with a final farewell, Tuesday night at Legal Harborside . Enjoy gorgeous views of Boston Harbor and have a taste New England’s freshest seafood. There will be transportation service from the Park Plaza hotel at 5:15PM, so grab your PLAY badge and hop on.
Get Informed
While you’re at PLAY, make sure to visit Brightcove’s Bright Ideas booth, where our product marketing specialists will be on hand to give you all the information you need on Brightcove’s latest features. You can also sign up for a one-on-one meeting and get a more personalized introduction to our future innovations. If you’re a customer with a question, or you’d like to discuss your own video initiatives, members of our customer support team will also be there providing expert assistance.
Get Beyond PLAY
Since you’re in Boston, you might as well have a little fun outside of PLAY! The city is packed with tasty culinary hotspots and must-see sites, so save yourself some time to check out these Boston essentials.
Since you’ll already be in the Back Bay, make your way to Zagat-approved Saltie Girl , where the all-day menu is packed with tapas-inspired seafood plates, refreshing cocktails, and imported specialties. If you’re craving Japanese, try O Ya , a hidden gem near Downtown Crossing. It’s featured in Eater’s 38 Essential New England Restaurants , so you know it’s good. And if you’re in the mood for quintessential New England cuisine, head to nearby Cultivar and its award-winning chef, Mary Dumont. The menu features local, seasonal favorites, including the classic lobster roll.
After filling your belly, check out the city’s historic landscape. From the Freedom Trail to Fenway to Faneuil Hall , Boston is a sightseer’s dream. Click this link to read up on our city’s best-known tourist attractions, and click this link to see those more off the beaten path.
There you have it! Keep these tips in mind, and you’re guaranteed to have a memorable and rewarding Brightcove PLAY experience. Of course, if you have any questions we haven’t already answered, you can always email play@brightcove.com, and we’ll be sure to help you out.
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Leaving your ticket purchase to the last minute? No need to worry! Registration is still open. Visit play.brightcove.com to claim your spot for #PLAY2018.